Pre-Registration
16-year-olds and up can pre-register to vote. On your 18th birthday, your voter registration application will be fully processed
Voter Registration Guidelines
In California, voters can register in advance online or on paper applications until 15 days prior to the election. After this time, voters can still conditionally register (see below).
Election Day Registration
If you did not register to vote by the 15-day voter registration deadline, in most elections, you may conditionally register to vote and cast a provisional ballot by visiting your county elections office during the period of 14 days prior to, and including, Election Day. Once your county elections official processes your affidavit of registration, determines your eligibility to register, and validates your information, your registration becomes permanent and your provisional ballot will be counted.
Documentation Requirements
When submitting a voter registration application, no additional documents are required for your registration to be processed. The state confirms your citizenship and eligibility through the information provided on your registration form, such as your state-issued license/ID number or the last 4 digits of your SSN.
Voting Rights Restoration
In California, voting rights are restored upon completion of one’s sentence. Returning citizens must re-register to vote after their rights are restored. Those in county jailcan vote from within jail with the exception of those serving a sentence for a felony.
Early Voting
California offers in-person early voting beginning 30 days before Election Day.
Absentee Voting by Mail
Absentee ballot applications must be received 7 days before Election Day. No excuse is required to vote absentee.
Additional Resources
CA Secretary of State website: sos.ca.gov
Rock the Vote CA: rockthevote.org/voting -informatron/cahforrna
